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Review: Puddles of Joy

Puddles of Joy book cover on blue background

If you have the opportunity to read some of the backstory behind Puddles of Joy by Hannah Foster on the author's Instagram account, you'll be touched to discover how this story was birthed and the journey it has taken to arrive. This is a book for the everyday moments when we may feel discouraged, yet its message has the ability to point back to what truly matters in seeking Christ as our source of joy.

Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Content to be aware of: Reformed perspective

Book Synopsis

With gray skies, the snow piling up then melting into puddles, and her car sitting in her driveway broken once more, could life look any bleaker? Holly Lake has let the discouragement of life seep in, and forgotten where to find her joy.

She knows she’s let her relationship with God take a back seat while life’s daily grind pulls her down. What will it take to get her joy back? Is she willing to fight for it, or will she let it keep slipping away? Can God use puddles and the simple words of Silas Beckett, a new car mechanic in town, to inspire Holly? And can a mechanic have anything more to do with her life than fixing her car?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Holly represents all of us when our days become slogs to endure. It's not that terrible things need to keep happening; it can be the mundane things that steal our peace and joy when they function as constant irritants. As a result, Holly is challenged to fight for joy as she strives to turn her attitude and perspective around from simply surviving to doing what she can to be thriving in life. This change feels gradual at first as she encounters Silas, a man who puzzles and intrigues her, almost to the point of exasperation. However, as Holly pours more of herself out for others and learns new lessons, she becomes the change she has hoped to experience.

I appreciate that Holly's transformation is not dependent on merely positive thinking or anything of her own volition. Instead, as she draws closer to God and allows Him to work in her life, the inner work He is doing in her heart becomes more apparent. This is a refreshing book to experience as the puddles of joy in Holly's life are subtle at first until they gradually takes over. Readers looking for a book where characters are able to have mature conversations with others and where joy becomes a worthy endeavor to pursue will enjoy how the light of God's radiance breaks through even the darkest clouds in Holly’s story.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍

Book Quotes

I’m sorry, Lord. Sorry, I forgot to seek you when starting my day. And sorry that I let bad or annoying things ruin my day so easily when you were willing to give me joy if I had only asked and sought for it. If it’s not too late, can I start fresh now? His mercies were always new, and she knew without a doubt He would be gracious and give her a fresh start, even if it was the middle of the day. Pulling out her Bible she kept underneath her counter, she flipped through to the Psalms, reminding herself of God’s steadfast love and mercy, but also soaking in His comfort and peace, steadfast despite her many failures. He was the one who remained unchanging and for this, she gave thanks.
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